Are Motorcycle Accidents Common? Here’s What You Should Know

Riding a motorcycle comes with numerous advantages, including fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and the thrill of being on a bike with the wind in your hair, which can boost your mood. However, there are significant dangers associated with motorcycling. It’s essential for motorcyclists to be aware of the increased risks they face when they choose to ride. Read on to discover when, where, and why motorcycle accidents occur.

Riding a Motorcycle: Higher Risks Compared to Driving a Car

Operating a motorcycle significantly increases your risk of suffering severe injuries or death in the event of a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle accidents are 28 times more likely to result in fatalities based on vehicle miles traveled, and riders are four times more likely to be injured than occupants of passenger cars. In 2020, Texas recorded the third-highest number of motorcycle fatalities in the nation, with 483 deaths. In Fort Worth alone, there were 480 motorcycle crashes in 2021, resulting in 53 fatalities.

When and Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur Most Frequently?

In 2020, most fatal motorcycle accidents (61%) occurred in urban areas. Surprisingly, only 34% of these fatalities took place at intersections, indicating that the risk is higher while traveling down urban roads or highways. The weather plays a significant role, too: 97% of motorcycle accidents occurred on clear or sunny days, while only 3% happened in rainy or adverse conditions. Additionally, approximately half of all motorcyclists killed in 2020 were riding on weekends, despite those days only accounting for 60 of the 168 hours in a week.

Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?

The NHTSA attributes many motorcycle crashes to a lack of experience or a failure to understand the unique operating characteristics and limitations of motorcycles. Riders must take special precautions and emphasize defensive driving. About one-third of all multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents involve another driver turning into the motorcycle’s path. Furthermore, approximately 43% of fatal motorcycle crashes involve alcohol. Riding a motorcycle is inherently more challenging than driving a car, and doing so while impaired significantly increases the risk of disaster. Alarmingly, an estimated one-third of motorcycle operators killed in crashes were unlicensed or improperly licensed, indicating a lack of proper education and training needed to operate these vehicles safely.

Westbrook Law Can Help with Your Motorcycle Accident Case

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Westbrook Law to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. You can get the process started by filling out our online intake form below. We are here to answer your questions and help you understand your options following the accident.